Can you trust carbon fibre bike frames?

As bike technology and innovation has pressed on in recent years, so has the materials used. One of the biggest changes in recent decades has been the introduction of carbon fibre as a frame material across all kinds of bikes - from super lean road racers to downhill mountain bikes. Once seen as a pretty unreliable and fragile technology, used only on the most exotic bikes - carbon fibre use on bikes, is now widespread with advances in research & design also bringing down the price of a carbon fibre bike.

In this post, we look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of using carbon fibre as a frame material whilst also asking some of the most commonly asked questions around the material.

Carbon Fibre Frame Advantages

The biggest advantage of using carbon fibre is weight saving - this not only means that bikes are easier to ride uphill, but are also easier to ride downhill, as they can be flicked about more. Carbon is also much more tuneable, allowing bike manufacturers to develop frames with optimised handling and performance.

Maintenance-wise, carbon fibre frames do not rust - meaning if they are not crashed, and are maintained - they can last forever. Ride quality is also thought to be improved on carbon fibre bikes, and carbon fibre bikes also have quieter operation.

Aluminium Bike Frame Advantages

Aluminium Frames are thought to be more resilient in an impact than a carbon fibre frame is. However, modern carbon fibre frames are reinforced with materials such as Kevlar, which is pretty tough! Aluminium framed bikes are also cheaper than carbon fibre bikes and are more environmentally friendly.

How Many Years Do Carbon Fibre Frames Last?

It’s thought that carbon fibre frames last around five to six years if they are ridden regularly. The life expectancy of an aluminium framed bike is higher - in theory, however, if a carbon fibre bike is well built, and is not damaged - as mentioned above, it can last forever!

Do Carbon Fibre Frames Break?

Depends! If you have a lightweight carbon fibre frame, it’s possible that an impact can cause it to crack and break quite spectacularly. The key here is to buy a carbon fibre bike from one of the most reputable brands, such as Scott Bikes.

Carbon Fibre bikes also tend to crack. Stop riding the bike immediately if you notice a crack in the frame. It’s well worth casting your eye over the frame of the bike, to ensure that it’s in good condition.

How To Check The Carbon Frame For Damage?

One of the biggest indications of damage on a carbon bike, is deep scratches in the bike's frame. Pay close to attention to areas prone to damage and cracking, such as the bottom bracket, dropouts and headsets. Also look closely at any areas of the bike where brakes are mounted to.

A pretty reliable way to check if a scratch is deep and a problem, is to tap around the scratch with a coin. Carbon Fibre bikes will usually emit a high pitched sound when tapped. If there is a crack and a break in the frame, you can expect to hear a duller sound. Many bike mechanics will be able to offer an ultrasound scan of a carbon frame, to reveal any damage.

Can You Repair A Carbon Frame?

Yes! Although opinions do vary on what is repairable. Repairing a carbon frame is done by laying new carbon fibre over damaged areas, then epoxying the new carbon into place.

Carbon Fibre Frame FAQs

How To Clean A Carbon Fibre Bike?

Low pressure hose and soapy water is a safe bet! High-pressure water should be avoided, much like it should be with alloy bikes - as the high pressure tends to drive lubrication & grease out of the bike's moving parts.

Do Carbon Fibre Bikes Need A Torque Wrench?

Yes! It’s important to work on carbon fibre bikes with a torque wrench. It’s easier to damage a carbon bike than an alloy bike, with overtightening damaging the more delicate carbon fibre. A torque wrench allows the exact settings to be used, keeping your bike safe.

Are Cheap Carbon Fibre Bikes OK?

Not really. In our opinion, if buying a carbon bike - always buy from a well known brand. The success and resilience of carbon fibre bikes is mainly down to stringent manufacturing processes. Bigger brands also have decent bike warranties, giving you peace of mind to enjoy the bike.

Can I Use WD40 On A Carbon Fibre Bike?

Yes! It’s great for getting water out of hard-to-reach places on the bike, and can also bring the carbon up to a decent shine.